Mesmerising Beauty of Himalayas....

Pelling, the pearl of the state of Sikkim, India,with its magnificent scenic beauty, situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft. above sea level, commands panoramic view of the snow capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. This land is the house of continues carpet of undisturbed forest mass. It can be said that this place is full of complete bliss, delight and peace.Pelling gives a breathtaking view of the Mount Khangchendzonga, the Guardian Deity of Sikkim and the worlds third highest mountain along with other sister mountains bowing before the Godly figure in reverence. Pelling is an ideal getaway for tourists as its vicinity has numerous waterfalls, wild life, soft trek routes, villages and soothing atmosphere for all discerning.

Now let's check the different tourist spots in Pelling.

Situated at about 6000 ft. above sea level, Pemayangtse Monastery is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim and is the headquarters of the Nyingmapa sect. Pemayangtse literally means 'Perfect Sublime Lotus'. Founded in 1705, this gompa offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. This monastery originally built as a small temple in the last of 17th century by Latsun Chempo, later rebuilt the temple structure into a monastery. The gompa is a three-storied structure decorated with some beautiful murals and sculptures along with many priceless antique idols. A seven-tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche,
complete with rainbows, angels and the whole panoply of Buddha and bodhisattva can be seen on the third floor of the monastery. The walls and the ceiling of the large Dukhang (Prayer Hall) have numerous thangkas and wall paintings. Pemayantse was special because it was one meant only for ‘ta-sang’ lamas (pure monks).The religious festivals and dances called chaam take place every year in the month of January/ February i.e. on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.

The next destination is Khechepalri Lake. As it is covered by thick woods it is called as “wishing lake ". This lake, surrounded by verdant forest is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus and no water sport or other related activities are allowed in and around the lake. The sacred lake lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags of different colours and forested hills which make the atmosphere calm and bright. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. Its crystal clean water attracts every tourist and it is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. Located just above the famous Khechepalri Lake, Khechepalri Gompa is situated with its rich sculpture. This remote hilltop monastery, reverberate with ethereal chants, and its shiny smiling people is the best place for meditate and get mental peaceness.

Sanga Chelling Monastery:-Situated in the rich forest this monastery was built in 1697. ‘Sanga Chelling’ means 'the island of esoteric teaching'. It is said to be one of the oldest monastery in entire Sikkim. This gompa is highly venerated among the Nyingmapa sect. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues. The entire place is also just-right for mountain biking and nature watching. During spring time, the meadows are alive with exotic wild flowers that cover the area in charming hues.

Sangay Waterfall: Just about 10 km from Pelling.The view of this water falls inside a hilly dense forest is surely exiting, glamorous and sensual.

Phur-Cha Chu (Hot Springs): These springs are considered holy with its medicinal properties, ideal for skim diseases. It is consider as sacred as one of the four holy caves located here. This holy cave is called the "Kadosangphu" or 'Cave of the occult fairies' and lies on the south of the four cardinal points.

Yuksom: 35 km. from Pemayangtse, Yuksom is one of the most beautiful picturesque Sikkimese villages. The village has basic amenities as well as spectacular views. It was the first capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim.Historical record says that the first ruling Monarch (Chogyal) of the kingdom was consecrated here by three learned Lamas in 1641. The Norbugang Chorten and the Coronation throne are the silent witnesses to the event of 1641. Dubdi Monastery, name of which means 'the retreat' was the first Monastery established soon after the consecration ceremony of the first chogyal.This ancient monastery is located on a hill top surrounded by verdant forest. It can be reached by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. It is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditational recluse and a perfect place for the people who want a total peaceness of mind.

Melli Monastery, covered by the green forest, this monastery situated near Dubdi.
Melli basically means 'a Lepcha village'. Orchids found in abundance including several hundreds species of butterflies in the deep forest surrounding the monastery.

Yumthang valley: Near to Yuksom this valley is situated at about 11,800 ft. from the sea level, takes the people in another world. During spring time, the meadows of the velley abound with wildflowers, which carpet the valley in a riot of colours. Snow clad mountains all around looking down on this high valley full of colour. The valley is well known for its hot springs, which is slightly saline in taste, it is colorless, emits bubbles of sulphurette hydrogen gas and the temperature of about106 degree. Yumey Samdong hot springs near river Sebu-Chu is the place where the spring water is diverted into pools and the infrastructure required for a good soak is
available. The famous Shingbha Rhododendron sanctuary (area: 43 sq. km) is bounded on its southern periphery by the Yumthang Valley known for its alpine meadow and hot springs. The picturesque Yumthang River flows through the sanctuary, which is known for its unique abundance of Rhododendron trees and shrubs, 40 species.

The well known Yumthang monastery, hidden high on the hillside overlooked a settlement of Lachungpas and barracks of the Indian army is a perfect destination specially for the trekking lovers. At almost 9000 ft, situated a Sikkimese village, Lachung which is the last habitation on the road to Yumthang monastery, offers a unique memorable vies of snow covered mountains, waterfalls etc. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is immensely popular and famous for its therapeutic qualities. So, if you are looking for the ultimate Shangri-La, then its here in Yumthang valley. It is a restricted area, so the travellers require an Inner Line Permit to enter the Valley. Photography is officially prohibited in the Yumthang Valley.

Foreign visitors to Pelling must possess an Indian visa. One can buy from Pelling the famous traditional Thanka and like this other handmade decorative pieces of the Sikkimese tradition and culture. This place is also famous for wooden and bamboo artifacts. The well-furnished rooms place most of the comforts at your feet in few tourist lodge and Guest House. But for luxury and budget hotels besides star categorized accommodation; you can stay in Gangtok or Siliguri.

How to reach there:-

By rail: - There is no direct connection by train to this palce.Generally all out-station trains come into either New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri of district West Bengal, India. From there, visitors may proceed to Pelling by "Toy-Train" or bus, private taxi or jeep.
By Air: -Nearest airport is at Bagdogra which is well connected with The international Netaji Subhash Airport (Dum Dum Airport) Kolkata, just 20 kms from the main city. From Bagdogra one can take private taxis or jeeps for Pelling or for Gangtok then from Gangtok buses, taxis, jeeps etc. are available.
By Road: - Regular tourist bus and private jeep or taxi services connect Pelling with Gangtok, Siliguri, Kalimpong etc. Pelling is about 133 km away from Siliguri and 145 km from Gangtok.

Best time to visit Pelling is between the months September to March. To get the mesmerizing beauty of of snow covered mountain peaks it is better to visit between the months of December to February.